8 Reasons Why People Opt For A Surrogate Mother

Despite the many misconceptions surrounding surrogacy, it can be a blessing for people unable to conceive a child naturally.

Furthermore, surrogate mothers gain the support of an extended community and, in many cases, form a powerful bond with the intended family. 

There are many reasons women choose to bestow the gift of life on families this way, and there are at least as many reasons future parents are accepting it.

Read on to learn the most common reasons people find it more accessible to have a surrogate mother for carrying their child.

Infertility

Infertility is one of the most significant reasons many opt to have a child through a surrogate mother. While IVF treatments are becoming more and more available, they still aren’t a viable solution for everyone.

They are also rather costly, and couples often need to undergo lengthy medical treatments and several trials before they conceive a viable embryo. 

While surrogate mothers and the intended parents also need medical clearance, this process is far less expensive than fertility treatments.

As long as the surrogate mother is healthy, they can carry the pregnancy full-term and deliver the baby much sooner and safer than the biological mother would after the treatments.

Physical Health Issues

Physical issues, such as fibroids on the uterus, Ashermans syndrome, or the lack of a uterus can make it challenging or impossible to conceive a child naturally.

Whether these uterine conditions occurred due to the mother’s genetics or as a result of medical treatment, the women affected by them can still have a child through surrogacy as long as they have healthy ovaries. 

Kidney or heart issues may also make it too dangerous for a woman to carry out a full-term pregnancy.

Those on strong medications may also be advised against getting pregnant because these drugs can affect the child’s development or the mother’s fertility levels.

Difficult Pregnancy Experience

Women who experienced a difficult pregnancy or childbirth with their previous child may also opt for surrogacy.

Whether they suffered physical trauma or an emotional one, having someone else bring their next child into the world can be a much safer and reassuring option.

In cases such as preeclampsia, sperm, or blood incompetence, not carrying a child may be recommended for mothers by a medical professional to avoid any health complications for both the baby and the mother.

On the other hand, there are many women who enjoyed their pregnancy so much that they are willing to carry one out even after they are finished building their own family. 

Inability to Adopt

Adoption is an incredibly lengthy process involving complex regulations, which, in some cases, can be very restrictive.

Working with the right adoption agency can make the process much easier.

However, it can still be a daunting and emotionally taxing experience for many prospective adoptive parents.

Depending on where you live, there could be a better chance of being approved for surrogacy than adoption.

There is also the factor of biological parentage, which many people still prefer over raising adopted children.

While it also takes a while to receive a child via surrogacy, this process usually takes far less time than adoption.

This is another great reason people choose to use a surrogate rather than wait to adopt a child.

For example, older intended parents would want to enjoy as much time as they can with their children. For them, the sooner they can hold their new bundle of joy in their hands, the better.

More Support

Not only is adoption not an option for many people, but it also offers far less support for both the adoptive and the intended families.

Through surrogacy, however, both parties receive all the assistance and reassurance they need on this journey.

Those wanting to carry a child for others must gain their Surrogate Qualifications, which is only possible after a thorough medical and personal background check.

Keep in mind that the requirements may differ depending on your state of residence. IARC Surrogacy can be an excellent source of information for both those wanting to become surrogates and those looking for surrogate mothers.

Logistical Issues

Older intended parents, same-sex couples, and even single people face obvious logistical issues preventing them from conceiving naturally.

Due to it being practiced by celebrities, using gestational surrogacy to welcome a baby into their life has gained wide popularity amongst same-sex couples. 

Single men need surrogate mothers regardless of their fertility status, while single women may turn to this option as an alternative for fertility treatments.

However, some countries and states place limitations on surrogacy and adoption for single parents and same-sex couples.

It’s a good idea to look into all your options before embarking on this journey to avoid legal issues.

Keeping in Touch with Surrogates

Adoption also often places strict regulations on whether the biological parents can stay in touch with their child and their adoptive family.

Fortunately, surrogacy is typically far less restrictive in terms of contact – although this may depend on the laws in your state of residence. 

It’s not uncommon for surrogate mothers to form a close bond with the intended parents throughout the pregnancy, even if they didn’t know each other beforehand.

Grateful for the precious gift they were provided with, new parents often opt for staying in touch with women who carried their child after the birth.

Personal Choice

The last reason people may opt for a surrogate mother is due to personal choice. In this modern world, where performance is considered a major driving force for many, women often choose not to take time off for pregnancy and delivery.

They may also be fearful of the possible complications if they have a family history of difficult pregnancies and births. Even if they haven’t experienced any issues themselves, they may still choose to welcome a child through surrogacy.

Other women want to maintain their physique—particularly if their livelihood is connected to it in some way.

Whatever the non-medical reasons for choosing surrogacy are, it all comes down to one individual’s circumstances. 

While there are many women who opt for surrogacy to avoid the difficulties of pregnancy and childbirth, the leading reason for having a child through a surrogate mother is infertility.

Whether due to the parents’ age, or a pre-existing medical condition, conceiving a child naturally can be challenging for many families.

For them, surrogacy is often more convenient and more feasible than adoption—as it is for same-sex couples and singles.

Fortunately, many people are willing to become surrogates, as there are plenty of benefits for them as well.